L-R: Liam James G. Lebron, Ana Sophia R. Valencia, Neo Eliseo O. Linga, Dr. Maria Cristina Ignacio-Alberto; Philippine Pediatrics Society

Watsons, the Philippines' leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, has led the way in discussing a rarely-talked-about health concern among children: Type 1 Diabetes. Through its #Type1Story campaign, which features inspiring testimonials from kids living with T1D, Watsons aims to highlight the importance of early diabetes detection and screenings.

 

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong autoimmune condition often diagnosed in childhood that prevents the pancreas from producing insulin, the natural hormone responsible for turning food into energy and regulating a person's blood sugar level. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, posing risks to the body and causing complications of diabetes. The significant rise indicates an increasing need for awareness and education about early diagnosis and proper management, blood sugar monitoring, balanced nutrition, proper diet and exercise, and emotional support.

 

Inspiring Stories of Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Watsons’ #Type1Story campaign features the journeys of three young Filipinos with T1D: Neo Eliseo Linga, Ana Sophia Valencia, and Liam James Lebron.  These children and their families exemplify courage and resilience in managing T1D; and highlight the importance of recognizing symptoms early and equipping families with the resources to handle the condition effectively.

 

L-R: Liam James G. Lebron, Ana Sophia R. Valencia, Neo Eliseo O. Linga

Neo Eliseo Linga

Neo, diagnosed at two, has been managing T1D for four years. His mother, Jhen, recounted how his son’s symptoms were initially misdiagnosed. It was not until a second ER visit that the doctor checked his blood sugar, discovering he was in a diabetic coma. This life-changing event ignited her commitment to Neo’s health—their family maintains a strict regimen of consistent blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration, and balanced meals.

 

Jhen also highlighted the need for action: “I initially felt overwhelmed and disheartened. However,  I quickly realized the importance of taking action and learning as much as possible to support Neo. We had to be resilient and bounce back for him, to keep him alive and healthy.”

 

Anna Sophia Valencia

Diagnosed at three, Sophia is now a thriving 10-year-old. Her mother, Joanne, recalled her harrowing experience when Sophia was rushed to the ER and went comatose—her daughter could not wake up because of extremely high sugar. After they came home from the hospital, they started throwing sugary drinks and snacks at home and replaced them with healthier choices.

Despite her daughter’s condition, Joanne emphasized balancing health management and parenthood: “As a parent, we want to preserve her quality of life. We want her blood sugar to be as stable as possible so that her organs, like her eyes, kidneys, etc, won’t suffer. At the same time, we also want to give her a normal childhood.”

 

Liam James Lebron

Diagnosed at four, Liam’s symptoms—frequent urination, excessive thirst, and weight loss—prompted his family to seek medical help. His mother, Majeg, shared that he manages his son's diabetes by setting a meal plan and portioning his food.

Majeg advises other parents: “Listen to your child, be observant, and seek help, especially from the doctors who can understand it most.”

 

(L-R) Watsons Philippines’ Assistant Marketing Manager Renz Laluz, Senior Category Manager for Trading Health Zesther Rodriguez, Sr. Category Managers for Trading Health Darcy Co and Meiji Yanuario with Liam James G. Lebron, Ana Sophia R. Valencia and Neo Eliseo O. Linga.

Raising Awareness Through Watsons #Type1Story

 

As the first retailer in the country to actively advocate for diabetes awareness, Watsons commits in helping parents spot the early signs of Type 1 diabetes among their kids through the #Type1Story campaign.

 

“Diabetes, especially in children, calls for unwavering dedication, love, and resilience. The journey truly takes a village, but a diagnosis is not a limitation. Every challenge is an opportunity to discover strength, foster growth, and embrace courage.  At Watsons, we stand firmly with families on this journey. Through accessible diabetes management products, free health services, and awareness campaigns like #Type1Story, we are dedicated to empowering every child to live their best life and helping families create brighter, healthier futures.", said Jared De Guzman, Customer Director of Watsons Philippines.

 

As part of the campaign, Watsons invited the Type 1 Diabetes Society PH and T1 Diabetes Parents PH to an insightful T1D Care Talk facilitated by Dra. Cristina Alberto, a Diplomate of the Philippine Pediatrics Society. The discussion focused on diabetes care and management for children and their parents, providing valuable information and support. The support of brand partners Abbott Diabetes Care, Roche Diabetes, Exeltis, and Propan TLC further strengthened the event.

To ensure accessibility and convenience, Watsons offers a wide range of diabetes care products in all Watsons stores nationwide and through the Watsons App. Watsons’ O+O (Offline and Online) retail channels bring healthcare closer to every home. Additionally, free clinic check-ups are conducted in select Watsons stores, empowering families to take proactive steps toward better health.

Through the #Type1Story campaign, Watsons hopes to help parents better understand their children's condition, enabling Type 1 diabetes patients to enjoy a more fulfilling and stress-free life—the kind of life every child deserves.

Brand partners from Abbot Diabetes Care, Exeltis, Propan TLC and Roche Diabetes were in attendance to offer free on-the-spot consultations and freebies.

Click the link to watch the video and be part of the #Type1Story movement.